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ZIM vs OMA: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats
- Fixture: Zimbabwe vs Oman
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Group B
- Match: 8th Match, Group B
- Date and Time: 9 February 2026, 3:00 PM IST
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
Match Preview
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group B play continues with the match between Zimbabwe and Oman at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Zimbabwe will go into this match with a balanced combination of experienced players and powerful batting options. They have players who have been in pressure situations before. They know how to handle a big tournament. They will look to show their strength early and build momentum in the group stage.
Oman is known for its disciplined bowling and dynamic batting. After a strong performance in the qualifiers and T20 leagues around the world, they enter this match with confidence. They have competed well against good teams.
They bring a powerful spin attack and aggressive batsmen who are capable of challenging any bowling unit. Their spinners control the middle overs. Their batsmen can score quickly when needed.
This match is important for both the sides. Zimbabwe will be looking to cement their identity as serious contenders in Group B. A win here puts them in a strong position. Oman will be looking for a statement win and proof that they can compete with the top associate cricket nations on the biggest stage in world cricket. They want to show that they belong here. They want respect.
Recent Form And Head to Head
Zimbabwe have fielded competitive teams in recent ICC events. They have experienced players who know how to handle the pressure of big tournaments. Their batting unit has the ability to put up competitive totals. When their batsmen fire, they can score seventy-one or more. Their bowling attack is a mix of pace and spin that leaves opposition teams in trouble. They have fast bowlers who take wickets early and spinners who control the middle order.
Their form has seen a mix of results. They win some. They lose some. But Zimbabwe’s balanced team combination can be effective in situations where discipline and smart cricket can bend the pace. They play intelligently. They don’t panic.
Oman have consistently built their T20 reputation through disciplined approaches and strong performances in qualifying tournaments. They have earned their place here. Their spin department often dictates the middle overs. The spinners slow down the scoring. They take wickets. The batsmen have shown the ability to build innings under pressure. They don’t collapse easily.
They have shown that they can compete against established teams by using strategic bowling plans and aggressive batting when needed. They bowl according to plans. They bat deliberately. Their mix of experience and young talent makes them a challenging opponent. Experienced players guide the team. Young players bring energy.
The number of direct matches between these two teams in the T20 World Cup is limited. They haven’t played at this stage many times. But both teams have competitive records in ICC and regional qualifiers. Both teams have won matches that were important.
ZIM vs OMA – Squad List
| No. | Oman | Role | Zimbabwe | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jatinder Singh (c) | Batter | Sikandar Raza (c) | Batting all-rounder |
| 2 | Hammad Mirza | Wicketkeeper batter | Brian Bennett | All-rounder |
| 3 | Hassnain Shah | Bowler | Ryan Burl | All-rounder |
| 4 | Jay Odedra | Bowling all-rounder | Graeme Cremer | Bowler |
| 5 | Mohammad Nadeem | All-rounder | Brad Evans | All-rounder |
| 6 | Nadeem Khan | All-rounder | Clive Madande † | Wicketkeeper batter |
| 7 | Ashish Odedara | Batter | Tinotenda Maposa | Bowler |
| 8 | Jiten Ramanandi | Bowler | Tadiwanashe Marumani | Top-order batter |
| 9 | Shafiq Jan | Bowler | Wellington Masakadza | Bowler |
| 10 | Shah Faisal | Bowler | Tony Munyonga | All-rounder |
| 11 | Shakeel Ahmed | Bowler | Tashinga Musekiwa | Batting all-rounder |
| 12 | Vinayak Shukla | Wicketkeeper batter | Blessing Muzarabani | Bowler |
| 13 | Karan Sonavale | Batting all-rounder | Dion Myers | Top-order batter |
| 14 | Sufyan Mehmood | Bowler | Richard Ngarava | Bowler |
| 15 | Wasim Ali | Batting all-rounder | Brendan Taylor | Wicketkeeper batter |
Pitch Report: Wankhede Stadium Mumbai
Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium has traditionally been a batting ground for T20 cricket. Batsmen can score runs freely once they are set. The boundaries are short enough. The pitch is fair. The new ball can help pace bowlers get a head start. The ball swings a little early. The fast bowlers get some pace.
Spinners often play an important role in the middle overs as the pitch slows down a little. The ball catches. There is a turn for good spinners. Mist under the lights can make bowling difficult in the second innings. The ball gets wet. It becomes difficult to catch. That helps the chasing teams.
The par score in T20 matches is around 170 to 190, depending on the conditions of the day and the speed of the wicket. Teams scoring 180 feel safe. Teams chasing 170 feel confident. Chasing teams often benefit from dew in the later stages. The ball slips on wet grass. Batting becomes easier.
Related Post: SCO vs ITA: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats
Team Analysis
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe have strong teams. They have a competitive batting line-up that has experience in the middle overs. Their batsmen know how to speed up the innings. They have a balanced bowling attack with both pace and spin options. Fast bowlers bowl in the powerplay and at the death. Spinners bowl in the middle. They have the ability to adapt to the conditions and make competitive totals. They read the conditions well.
Zimbabwe also has its concerns. There is sometimes inconsistency in finishing matches. Sometimes they let games slip away. If wickets fall early, there is pressure from the middle order. If the top order fails, the middle order must perform. That pressure can cause collapse.
The key players to watch for Zimbabwe are Sean Williams who is a stabiliser and an experienced match winner. He bats calmly under pressure. Brendan Taylor is an aggressive top batsman for a quick start. He scores quickly in the powerplay. Richard Ngarawa is a major pace threat in the powerplay overs. He swings the ball and takes wickets early.
Oman
Oman has the strength. They have a disciplined bowling attack, especially in spin and middle overs. Their bowlers bowl according to plans. They don’t leak runs. They have an aggressive batting that has the ability to score quickly. When their batsmen get going, they score ten runs per over. They have tactical awareness and experience in competitive T20 leagues. They know how to play smart cricket.
Oman has concerns. Their experience against top-level bowling lineups is limited. They haven’t faced the best often. The pressure is managed in close run chases. Chasing tight targets creates nervousness. They have to stay calm.
The key players to watch for Oman are Ayan Khan who is an effective spin option. He bowls tight and takes wickets. Zeeshan Maqsood is an experienced leader and an all-round contributor. He bats and bowls and is also the captain. Khawar Ali is a powerful middle-order batsman and handy bowler. He hits sixes and can bowl a few overs.
Toss Prediction
With the possibility of dew at Wankhede, the captain, having won the toss, may choose to bowl first and chase a known target after the conditions settle down in the second innings. Chasing becomes safer when dew helps. The ball comes better. Batting becomes easier. Bowling becomes difficult.
Cricbites Match Prediction
Zimbabwe are seen as a slight favourite due to their batting depth and balanced bowling attack. They have more experience at this level. Their ability to post competitive scores and adapt to pitch conditions gives them a slight edge. They have been here before. They know what works.
However, Oman’s disciplined bowling, especially in spin, and their aggressive batting lineup can trouble Zimbabwe if they execute their plans effectively. If Oman’s spinners bowl well, they can stop Zimbabwe. If their batsmen play wisely, they can chase anything. Cricbites predicts that Zimbabwe will win if their top order fires and the bowlers keep up the pressure on Oman’s batting. Zimbabwe should bat well early. Their bowlers should not leak runs.
Oman remain dangerous if their spin attack dominates and their batsmen build strong partnerships. Zimbabwe will struggle if Ayan Khan and Zeeshan Maqsood bowl a tight line. If Oman’s batsmen remain calm, they can win. According to Cricbites, the expected contest is a bit competitive with Zimbabwe ahead but Oman are capable of creating pressure situations and turning the match around with a key performance. A good spell of bowling or a big partnership could decide it.
Final Thoughts
This Group B tie between Zimbabwe and Oman promises tactical battles and crucial middle over phases and potential match defining performances from both sides. Expect strategic spin usage and power batting moments and disciplined bowling spells that could shape the outcome of this crucial World Cup match. The spinners will be key. The team that uses spin better is likely to win. Batsmen should respect good bowling. Bowlers should execute plans. Small margins will decide the winner.
Disclaimer
This match preview and prediction is based on current teams and historical performance and expected pitch behavior. Cricket remains unpredictable and actual results may vary depending on toss decisions, weather and individual talent on the day.
